The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for eligible students pursuing KMTC, diploma and other qualifying programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The application window opened on 21 August 2026 and is scheduled to close on 30 September 2026.
This provides an important opportunity for Kenyan students who need financial assistance to support their education and training costs. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early rather than waiting until the deadline.
In this guide, we explain the 2026/2027 HELB application period, who can apply, requirements, how KMTC and diploma students can apply, funding options, important precautions and frequently asked questions.
HELB 2026/2027 Applications Now Open
For the 2026/2027 academic year, eligible students can submit their HELB funding applications between:
| Application detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2026/2027 |
| Applications opened | 21 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Target applicants | Eligible KMTC, diploma, TVET and other qualifying students |
| Application method | Online through the official HELB/HEF platform |
Students should take note of the 30 September 2026 deadline and ensure that their applications are submitted before the application window closes.
Do not wait until the final day to apply because you may need additional time to obtain documents, correct information or resolve problems encountered during the online application process.
What Is HELB?
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a Kenyan government agency that provides education financing to eligible students.
HELB administers different financing products and funds designed to support students pursuing higher education and technical and medical training.
For students joining Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and other eligible medical training institutions, the Afya Elimu Fund is particularly important because it supports eligible needy students undertaking qualifying health-related certificate and diploma programmes.
Diploma and TVET students may also qualify for applicable HELB financing depending on their institution, programme and the requirements of the relevant funding category.
HELB 2026/2027 Applications for KMTC Students
KMTC students should pay particular attention to the funding category applicable to their programme.
The Afya Elimu Fund is designed to support eligible needy students undertaking certificate and diploma-level health training in qualifying public medical training institutions.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to students pursuing medical training who may require financial assistance to meet education-related expenses.
However, being a KMTC student does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive funding. Students must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and successfully complete the application process.
Who Can Apply for HELB in 2026/2027?
Eligibility depends on the particular HELB product or fund.
Generally, applicants should:
- Be Kenyan citizens who meet the applicable requirements.
- Have been admitted to an eligible institution.
- Be pursuing an eligible programme.
- Meet the requirements of the relevant HELB funding category.
- Apply within the official application period.
- Provide accurate personal and academic information.
- Complete all required sections of the online application.
KMTC Students
KMTC students undertaking eligible certificate or diploma health-training programmes should check whether they qualify under the applicable Afya Elimu Fund arrangements.
Diploma and TVET Students
Students undertaking eligible diploma programmes in qualifying TVET institutions should check the applicable TVET financing requirements.
Because funding rules can change, students should verify their eligibility through the official HELB/HEF platform before submitting an application.
When Does the HELB 2026/2027 Application Close?
The 2026/2027 HELB application window closes on 30 September 2026.
Students therefore have from 21 August 2026 to 30 September 2026 to complete and submit their applications.
Important deadline
HELB 2026/2027 application deadline: 30 September 2026
If you are eligible and intend to apply, it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible.
Waiting until the last day could create unnecessary problems if you encounter technical difficulties or discover that additional information is required.
How to Apply for HELB 2026/2027
Eligible students can apply online through the official HELB/HEF system.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before beginning the application, determine the funding programme applicable to you.
For example, an eligible KMTC student may need to apply under the appropriate health-training funding arrangement, while a student in a qualifying TVET institution may need to use the applicable TVET financing option.
Step 2: Access the Official HELB/HEF Portal
Visit the official HELB website and access the appropriate student financing portal.
Avoid applying through websites or individuals claiming to be HELB agents unless you have independently verified them.
Step 3: Create an Account or Log In
If you are a new applicant, follow the registration instructions provided on the official platform.
Existing users can log into their accounts using their registered details.
Step 4: Enter Your Personal Information
Provide the requested information accurately.
This may include:
- Your name
- Identification details
- Telephone number
- Academic information
- Institution details
- Course information
- Parent or guardian information
- Household financial information
Make sure the information corresponds with your official documents.
Step 5: Select the Appropriate Funding Application
Choose the funding category that applies to your programme and institution.
KMTC students should carefully check the applicable health-training funding option, while eligible diploma/TVET students should select the relevant financing category.
Step 6: Complete the Application
Fill in all mandatory sections and provide the requested supporting information.
Review the application carefully before submitting it.
Step 7: Submit Before 30 September 2026
Do not leave your application until the deadline.
Make sure it is successfully submitted within the 21 August–30 September 2026 application window.
Step 8: Monitor Your Application
After submitting your application, regularly check the official HELB/HEF platform for updates concerning your application status, additional requirements or funding decisions.
What Documents May Be Required?
The exact requirements can vary depending on the funding programme and applicant.
Students should have relevant information and documents available, which may include:
- National Identification information
- KCSE examination details
- Admission information
- Institution details
- Course information
- Parent or guardian details
- Contact information
- Mobile phone details
- Financial information
- Other documents requested by the application portal
Applicants should follow the instructions displayed on the official application platform because requirements can change.
How Much Money Can KMTC and Diploma Students Receive?
There is no single amount that every KMTC or diploma student is guaranteed to receive.
The amount of assistance can depend on factors such as:
- The applicable funding programme
- Student’s financial circumstances
- Programme and institution
- Government funding policies
- Available resources
- Whether the student qualifies for a loan, scholarship or another form of assistance
Students should therefore be cautious about social-media posts claiming that every applicant will automatically receive a specific amount.
The official HELB/HEF platform remains the best source for information about an individual student’s funding allocation.
Is HELB Funding Free Money?
Students should understand the difference between a loan and a scholarship.
A HELB loan is generally repayable according to the applicable repayment terms.
Where a student receives a scholarship or another type of education support, the terms may be different.
Before accepting funding, students should understand whether the assistance is a loan, scholarship or another form of financial support and review the applicable conditions.
Why KMTC Students Should Apply Early
Medical training can involve significant costs, including:
- Tuition and institutional charges
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Books and learning materials
- Meals and personal expenses
- Practical training requirements
For students from financially constrained households, education financing can make it easier to continue with their studies.
The 30 September 2026 deadline therefore matters to eligible KMTC applicants who want to be considered for available funding for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
1. Waiting Until 30 September
The deadline is 30 September 2026. Start early rather than waiting until the final day.
2. Applying Through Unofficial Websites
Use the official HELB/HEF channels.
Do not give your personal information or account credentials to people claiming they can process your application for a fee.
3. Providing Incorrect Information
Check your details before submitting the application.
Incorrect academic, identification or contact information can cause verification problems.
4. Choosing the Wrong Funding Category
Read the available options carefully and select the financing programme relevant to your institution and course.
5. Assuming Every Applicant Will Receive Funding
Submitting an application does not necessarily guarantee funding.
Applications are subject to the applicable eligibility criteria, assessment and available resources.
6. Ignoring Your Application Status
After submitting your application, continue checking your official account for updates.
HELB 2026/2027 Application Deadline at a Glance
The most important dates are:
21 August 2026 — Applications open
30 September 2026 — Applications close
Eligible KMTC and diploma students should therefore use the period between these two dates to complete and submit their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did HELB 2026/2027 applications open?
HELB applications for eligible students for the 2026/2027 academic year opened on 21 August 2026.
When is the HELB 2026/2027 deadline?
The application window is scheduled to close on 30 September 2026.
Can KMTC students apply for HELB in 2026/2027?
Eligible KMTC students can apply for applicable HELB funding programmes, including relevant health-training financing such as the Afya Elimu Fund, subject to the applicable requirements.
Can diploma students apply for HELB?
Yes. Eligible diploma students may qualify for applicable HELB financing depending on their institution, programme and funding category.
Can TVET students apply for HELB?
Eligible students in qualifying TVET institutions may apply for the relevant TVET financing programme.
Does applying guarantee HELB funding?
No. An application does not automatically guarantee funding. Applicants must meet the applicable requirements and undergo the relevant assessment process.
What is the deadline for KMTC HELB applications?
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the stated application period runs from 21 August 2026 to 30 September 2026.
Where can I apply for HELB?
Students should use the official HELB/HEF online platform and rely on official HELB communication for application instructions.
Final Word
The opening of HELB applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is important news for eligible KMTC, diploma and other qualifying students looking for financial assistance.
The application window runs from 21 August 2026 to 30 September 2026. Students who intend to apply should avoid waiting until the deadline and should ensure that their information is accurate and complete.
KMTC students should establish whether they qualify under the relevant health-training funding programme, including the Afya Elimu Fund where applicable. Diploma and TVET students should similarly confirm the financing option applicable to their institution and course.
Most importantly, applicants should use official HELB/HEF channels and be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed funding in exchange for unofficial payments.
If you are eligible for the 2026/2027 HELB funding, make sure you complete your application before 30 September 2026.